First Time Traveller

If you are a first time air traveller you will find Christchurch
International Airport very simple to use. Here's a run down
of what happens at the airport when taking a flight.

Travelling through the Airport

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS (WITHIN NEW ZEALAND)

Check-in> When checking-in
you could use either a check-in desk or check-in kiosk
machine, this depends on which airline you are using. Take
all of your luggage and travel documents to a check-in counter or
kiosk. When using a check-in desk the airline
representative will allocate you a seat onboard the aircraft and
send any luggage that you may have to the aircraft directly.
If you are using a kiosk, you will select your own seat and take
your luggage to the dedicated drop-off area.

Proceed to your gate> Once you have
checked-in you will be notified of your gate number and time for
boarding on your boarding pass. The flight information
screens around the airport will also advise when you need to
proceed to your gate.

Security check> Before you board your
flight, you must go through security screening to ensure that you
are not carrying any dangerous
items.

Board flight> Once you are at your
gate, you will be called for boarding. Please present your
boarding pass to the assistant at the gate. Retain your
boarding pass to show to the steward onboard who will show you to
your seat.

Departing flight> Once you have
arrived in your destination airport you will be notified which
luggage belt your luggage will be available on.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS (OVERSEAS)

Check-in> Take all of
your luggage and travel documents including your passport to a
check-in counter that displays your airline, flight number and
destination. The airline representative will allocate you a
seat onboard and send any luggage that you may have to the aircraft
directly. Please remember when travelling on an international
flight hand luggage restrictions apply, contact your airline directly for
more details

Customs and security> Before you go
through departures you will also need to go through Customs who
will view your travel documents. Security screening is
immediately after Customs and will ensure that you are not carrying
any dangerous items and are abiding to the hand luggage
restrictions.

Proceed to your gate> Once through
departures you may locate your gate within the international
departures lounge. Your departure gate and time will be
printed on your boarding pass.

Board flight> Once you have been
called for boarding please present your boarding pass to the
assistant at the gate. Retain your boarding pass to show to
the steward onboard who will show you to your seat.

Departing flight> Once you have
arrived in your destination airport you will be notified which
luggage belt your luggage will be available on, you will also need
to go through Customs.

In the Air

If you have a fear of flying you may benefit from taking a
programme such as the Fear of Flying programme developed in
conjunction with Air New Zealand. Visit www.fearofflying.co.nz for
more information.